Fans criticize University of Alabama athletics Facebook post

Former University of Alabama football coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant wears his iconic houndstooth hat.

Photo provided by Paul W. Bryant Museum

The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 11:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 11:40 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | A post on the University of Alabama athletics Facebook page drew ire from fans for asking them to change their profile pictures to an image of late coach Bear Bryant's houndstooth hat.

The request was to celebrate what would have been Bryant's 100th birthday Wednesday. Most of the hundreds of comments criticized the timing because it also marked the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

One response stated it's “not a good day to remember a football coach. We need to honor our fallen heroes.”

Another noted: “Thousands died on this day 12 years ago, and you want to have us recognize a football coach instead?”

Alabama spokesman Doug Walker had no comment.

The post asked fans to change their pictures “to celebrate Coach Bryant's life and legacy.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | A post on the University of Alabama athletics Facebook page drew ire from fans for asking them to change their profile pictures to an image of late coach Bear Bryant's houndstooth hat. </p><p>The request was to celebrate what would have been Bryant's 100th birthday Wednesday. Most of the hundreds of comments criticized the timing because it also marked the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. </p><p>One response stated it's “not a good day to remember a football coach. We need to honor our fallen heroes.” </p><p>Another noted: “Thousands died on this day 12 years ago, and you want to have us recognize a football coach instead?” </p><p>Alabama spokesman Doug Walker had no comment. </p><p>The post asked fans to change their pictures “to celebrate Coach Bryant's life and legacy.” </p><p>— The Associated Press</p>